Director, Student Wellbeing and Access

Franklin University, a private, independent, accredited, nonprofit university located in Columbus, Ohio, invites applications for the position of Director, Student Wellbeing & Access.

Founded in 1902, Franklin University has built its reputation on removing barriers to higher education for ambitious adults balancing educational goals with work, family, and other commitments. Accredited and nonprofit, Franklin is recognized as an innovator in online education and serves students through applied undergraduate, master's, and doctoral programs designed to support career advancement and lifelong learning. More than 50,000 Franklin alumni live and work around the world, making meaningful contributions to their professions and communities.

Position Summary

The Director, Student Wellbeing & Access will provide strategic and operational leadership for initiatives that promote student wellbeing, accessibility, accountability, persistence, and success at Franklin University. Reporting to the Dean of Students, this role oversees Accessibility Services, Student Wellbeing, and Community Standards, while serving as the University's ADA/Section 504 Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator.

The Director will lead efforts to identify and address barriers that may interfere with student engagement and academic progress, developing innovative, scalable approaches to student support that meet the needs of Franklin's diverse and geographically dispersed student population. This includes advancing disability access and accommodations, strengthening student wellbeing resources, and providing oversight for complex student matters and institutional compliance responsibilities.

As a key member of the Dean of Students leadership team, the Director will foster collaboration across the University, leverage data and technology to improve student services, and promote a culture of accountability, compassion, continuous improvement, and student-centered support.

Key Responsibilities

The Director provides strategic and operational leadership for Accessibility Services, Student Wellbeing, and Community Standards, ensuring these functions support student engagement, persistence, and success. The Director serves as the University's ADA/Section 504 Coordinator and Title IX Coordinator, overseeing disability accommodations, institutional accessibility, regulatory compliance, and related policies and procedures. This role leads the development of proactive, scalable, and virtual-first student wellbeing initiatives designed to address nonacademic barriers to student success, including oversight of the Student Emergency Fund and partnerships that expand access to student resources and support.

The Director also provides leadership for student conduct, grievances, appeals, and other complex student matters, ensuring fair, consistent, and timely resolution. Responsibilities include coordinating responses to concerns submitted through the University's anonymous reporting system and participating on the Franklin Intervention & Awareness Team (FIAT). The Director supervises and develops professional staff, collaborates with University leaders to strengthen student support and institutional practices, and leverages data, technology, and process improvements to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness. As a member of the Dean of Students leadership team, the Director promotes a culture of accountability, compassion, innovation, and continuous improvement while exercising sound judgment and discretion in sensitive matters.

Minimum Qualifications

A master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, rehabilitation counseling, education, law, public administration, social work, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in higher education. Candidates must have meaningful experience in postsecondary disability or accessibility services, including demonstrated knowledge of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504, the interactive accommodation process, and related regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will have supervisory experience, a broad understanding of Student Affairs practices, and experience supporting students with complex needs or circumstances affecting their success. Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply institutional policies and regulatory requirements, including student conduct, grievances, investigations, or related resolution processes, is essential. Knowledge of Title IX requirements, strong leadership and communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with discretion, neutrality, and compassion are also required.

Additional Information

This position follows an on-site hybrid work schedule and requires flexibility to meet departmental and university needs. Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required to address sensitive or time-sensitive student matters, and some travel may be expected.

Franklin offers a competitive benefits package, incentive program, and free parking. In addition, Franklin provides free undergraduate tuition for employees and eligible family members, graduate tuition assistance for full-time employees and eligible family members, and a discount on doctoral tuition for employees.

Franklin University is committed to creating a respectful and inclusive educational and workplace environment. Franklin does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, immigration status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, disability, or veteran or military status.